Medical Association of Malta members at health centres yesterday fully supported the stand of the MAM council to declare an industrial dispute, insisting on a number of administrative changes at the health centres which would improve the quality of the service and provide adequate security for staff members.
The increase in the number of doctors and a promised number of administrative changes were welcomed, a MAM statement said this morning.
However MAM members condemned without reservation the interference from various individuals in ministerial secretariats in the daily running of health centres either directly and indirectly, often insisting that patients without appointments be seen despite various agreements and protocols to the contrary or that house calls manifestly prohibited by established protocols be performed notwithstanding that they would against established procedure. This is unfair on patients who have emergency problems who have to face delays due to overcrowding, and creates chaos within the health centres many times leading to problems with safety and security.
For the above reasons while welcoming the progress in the negotiations, MAM members decided not to withdraw the industrial dispute and authorized the MAM council to issue of trade union directives as from 20 June.
MAM members hope that this period will be used by health centre management and put the house in order, and lead by encouraging all members of staff to treat patients fairly and equitably without interference.
PN says interference also present at Mater Dei
In light of the latest development between MAM and government regarding the primary healthcare sector, the PN said it deplores such interference, allegedly coming from ministerial secretariats and in certain cases "coming directly from Castille". This practise is unfortunately well spread throughout the healthcare sector. "It is seen not only in the primary care sector, but also within Mater Dei where it is mostly visible in the Out Patients and in the emergency ward".
The PN appealed for discussions to continue in order for industrial action to be avoided, adding that interference from ministerial secretariats must cease immediately.